Elephant poaching rate in East Africa declines for the 5th year in a row

NewsBharati    30-Oct-2017
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Washington, October 30: Whereas the whole world is worried about wildlife conservation, Conservationists, and environment activities can be happy as Elephant poaching in East Africa declined for the fifth year in a row. The number of illegal activity in Africa also decreased significantly. Even the rate of elephant poaching has dropped in the African continent. The latest data from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) provides this statistics.

Though the elephant population has reduced almost 50% in last 10 years a steady decline in poaching levels since its peak in 2011 really brings hope. This miracle has become possible due to sustained and collective front-line enforcement and demand reduction efforts, coupled with strong political support.

Tanzania holds the place of region’s stronghold for elephant populations. Other countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda has shown an increase or a stable situation in this case. But till now the Southern Africa, Botswana still maintains the largest elephant population on the continent.

On the contrary, the amount of illegal ivory seized has increased over the time. “The upward trend in the amount of illegal ivory seized as compared to the gradual downward trend observed for elephant poaching since 2011 may reflect a scaled up enforcement effort by customs and police and a more vigilant transport sector,” CITES secretary general John Scanlon said.

Conservation wildlife africa Elephant population Poaching